Okpebholo said Tinubu’s rising popularity in the state, combined with his own early initiatives in office, has solidified the APC’s position. He cited recent bye-election results in Esan as proof of the party’s growing strength, insisting that Edo residents “will thank Asiwaju with their votes”.

His words: “Asiwaju is even more popular than me here now because Edo people already know that what I’m doing is because of Asiwaju’s impact.

“You will see the kind of result that will come out from here because there’s no opposition in Edo.

“Did you see the bye-election? We’ve never produced the kind of results we produced in Esan. The Esan and Edo people have not even told Asiwaju thank you, and how will they? It’s going to be the votes.

“Everybody is for Asiwaju. The people will thank him with their votes. If he does not win, I’d resign,” Okpebholo added.